Choir’s roaring success in London

THE Drakensberg Boys’ Choir were recently part of a special surprise tribute to the creative team behind The Lion King production at The Lyceum Theatre in London.

The 54 members performed The Lion King on stage with legendary local composer Lebo M, in a show attended by all cast members who performed in the show during the past 20 years.

It was an opportunity of a lifetime for the boys, and a phenomenal experience which they will never forget, they said.

Grade 9 pupil, Matthew Beuster, said: “That was the best thing ever.

“We went on, and it was nerve-racking – the audience went crazy when they found out we were there. It was like a million decibels high.

“It was insanity! When the gumboot squad came out to dance with Lebo M, everyone went crazy.

“This is the best performance I’ve ever had.”

Prior to the performance, the choir performed at several venues across London and its outskirts, including at the St George’s Chapel, the Great St Mary’s Church, The Holiday Inn, the Emmanuel Church, SA House, and at King’s College School. SA CHESS champ Amahle Zenzile, 11, is ready to represent the country at the Youth Chess Tournament in Namibia. The young boffin, however, needs help getting there as her trip to Namibia will cost R40 000.

Crossroads resident Amahle, who has her South African colours for the sport, said her love for the game took off after she played in a chess tournament two years ago.

“I would go to the library where my friends were and that is where I started playing. One day I participated in a tournament and won a prize. I have been playing ever since,” she said.

Two years ago, Amahle started playing chess for the Crossroads Chess Club. It didn’t take her long to become one of the best players in her age group. She went on to win the Western Cape Schools Chess under-11 girls division and the South African Schools Chess under-13 girls tournament.

Coach Thando Hlakula said the youngster is lauded for her determination and aptitude for chess. “She is currently ranked second-best player in the Western Cape and for her age category she is currently ranked fifth in South Africa,” said Hlakula.

Best friend and fellow competitor Trinity van Beeck has started a Backabuddy for her. “My beautiful friend has a warrior spirit. She is a shining beacon of hope to other children in her community,” said Trinity.

To donate, see https://www.backabuddy.co.za/Amahle